Wales vs England Tactical Analysis: Craig Bellamy's New Style Explained
Wales have changed their approach of play with Bellamy.
Looking at the previous manager's last dozen matches as coach to Bellamy's first 12 games leading Wales, a noticeable shift has been a tactical switch prioritizing possession and dominating games through possession.
The Page Era: High-Energy Football
During Page's tenure, The Welsh intense style focused on pressing aggressively without possession, particularly in the flanks, mostly employing a flexible 3-4-3 system to attack directly.
Bellamy's New Direction
Bellamy has consistently employed a defensive line of four, pushing the team to get on the ball and build attacks more methodically.
Measurable Changes
The new strategy has resulted in a far higher average ball control, a increased pass count and a small decrease in how regularly they give the ball away in advanced positions.
The team also shows a improved expected goals metric since Bellamy took over.
Key Consideration
Will Bellamy's tactics offer Wales a improved likelihood of overcoming England?
The strategic changes under Bellamy represents a significant departure from the old system.
- Higher possession rates
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Reduced high turnovers
- Better xG numbers
